Knox County, August 13, 2025
News Summary
In an effort to support nursing mothers, the Knox County Health Department has partnered with the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition to establish three new lactation spaces across four local businesses. These spaces are designed to provide a comfortable and private environment for breastfeeding mothers, complete with essential amenities. This initiative highlights the importance of workplace support and community resources in promoting successful breastfeeding practices.
Knox County, Tennessee – In celebration of World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) has partnered with the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition (ETBC) to enhance support for nursing mothers in the local community. This initiative has resulted in the establishment of three newly furnished lactation spaces across four local businesses, offering convenient and comfortable locations for breastfeeding mothers.
The four businesses now equipped with these lactation spaces are Fellowship Church, Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, River Valley Health (Cherokee Mills location), and Muse Knoxville. These spaces are specially designed to cater to breastfeeding visitors, team members, clients, or patients, ensuring they have a private and supportive environment when they need it the most.
The newly furnished lactation rooms are equipped with essential amenities such as recliners, nursing pillows, room dividers, side tables, and lamps. These provisions are crucial in helping to create a welcoming atmosphere for nursing mothers, who may otherwise face challenges in finding suitable places to breastfeed or pump milk.
Research indicates that comprehensive corporate lactation programs can significantly prolong breastfeeding duration. Data show that over 75% of mothers who participate in such programs manage to breastfeed for six months or longer. However, it is worth noting that only 10% of full-time working women who initiate breastfeeding are able to continue for the same period without adequate employer support.
Tennessee law mandates that businesses provide reasonable unpaid break time and a private space—other than a bathroom—for employees to nurse or pump milk. The KCHD is leading by example; it has become the first health department in Tennessee to achieve national voluntary accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board, highlighting its commitment to public health initiatives.
World Breastfeeding Awareness Week also coincides with National WIC Breastfeeding Week, which runs from August 1-7. This week promotes the significant benefits of breastfeeding while supporting local families. The USDA extends its support to WIC programs focused on empowering breastfeeding mothers through nutrition and education.
The WIC program provides critical nutritional support and breastfeeding education for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as for infants and toddlers up to age 5. In alignment with these efforts, KCHD is developing a Google Map featuring breastfeeding-friendly locations throughout Knox County to assist families in locating appropriate venues for breastfeeding or pumping.
Local businesses are encouraged to participate in this initiative by registering as breastfeeding-friendly locations using an online form on the KCHD website. Moreover, the Knox County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is now serving as a drop site for the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, which ensures that donated milk can be stored securely for distribution to infants who are unable to nurse from their mothers.
The efforts to promote breastfeeding will culminate in a community event called the Big Latch On, scheduled for August 16. This gathering aims to celebrate breastfeeding and foster connections among mothers and families within the community. Through these initiatives, KCHD is reinforcing the importance of creating supportive environments for breastfeeding in both workplace settings and the broader community.
In addition, resources for breastfeeding mothers, including dedicated hotlines, are available through both state and county health departments, demonstrating a commitment to supporting nursing mothers and advocating for their needs.
FAQ Section
-
What is World Breastfeeding Awareness Week?
World Breastfeeding Awareness Week is an annual event that promotes breastfeeding as a vital part of early childhood development and advocates for breastfeeding support within communities.
-
Which businesses in Knox County created lactation spaces?
Fellowship Church, Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, River Valley Health (Cherokee Mills location), and Muse Knoxville are the four businesses that launched new lactation spaces.
-
What amenities are included in the lactation spaces?
The lactation spaces are furnished with recliners, nursing pillows, room dividers, side tables, and lamps to provide comfort and privacy for nursing mothers.
-
How can local businesses participate in the initiative?
Local businesses can register as breastfeeding-friendly locations by filling out an online form available on the Knox County Health Department website.
-
What is the significance of the Big Latch On event?
The Big Latch On event is a community initiative that promotes breastfeeding and encourages connection among mothers and families.
Key Features of the Lactation Space Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Businesses Involved | Fellowship Church, Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, River Valley Health, Muse Knoxville |
| Equipment Provided | Recliners, nursing pillows, room dividers, side tables, lamps |
| Duration of Breastfeeding | Over 75% of women participating in lactation programs breastfeeding six months or more |
| Tennessee Law Compliance | Businesses must offer reasonable break time and private nursing locations |
| Community Event | Big Latch On held annually to celebrate breastfeeding |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Photographer Celebrates Knoxville’s Artistry
Knox County Health Department Introduces Lactation Spaces
Additional Resources
- WBIR News
- WGIL News
- Knox Pages
- Knox News
- UT Medical Center – WBIR
- Wikipedia: Breastfeeding
- Google Search: breastfeeding support
- Google Scholar: breastfeeding initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Breastfeeding
- Google News: World Breastfeeding Awareness Week
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
